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Four Local Teachers Awarded Scholarships

May 27, 2009

Ashford University sponsored the Eighth Annual San Diego County Office of Education Teacher Appreciation Night at Petco Park on May 15 and awarded scholarships to four deserving teachers from the community.

Each winner received a full scholarship in the university's Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology (MATLT) program. Award winners include: Renee Kollar-Bachmann, a math teacher from Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista; Brad Fox, a seventh grade teacher from James Potter Junior High School in Fallbrook; Helen Olmsted, a math teacher from Mount Carmel High School in San Diego; and Jenna Yezarski, an English teacher from Rancho Buena Vista High School in Vista.

MATLT is an online degree program designed to develop teachers' skills and effectiveness in using technology tools in curriculum building, leadership skills and instruction. It prepares teachers for rewarding careers as professional educators with the technological skills necessary to meet the ever-changing needs of students.

To be selected for the scholarship, area teachers were required to submit a letter of nomination from their school principal, a letter of recommendation from a colleague, and a personal essay addressing their vision on issues such as how integrating technology could impact student achievement.

As part of Teacher Appreciation Night, all of the scholarship recipients participated in a pre-game, on-field ceremony to honor educators. Ashford University President Jane McAuliffe made the scholarship presentations.

"The success of today's teachers creates the success of our children. We are proud to present San Diego County's finest teachers with these master's degree scholarships," she said.

"At Ashford University, we are committed to the continued success of our community's children. Giving back in this way means very much to all of us. There is no group more deserving than hard-working teachers," she added.

Fox, one of the scholarship winners, said, "Thank you to Ashford University for making this dream a reality for me. I hope to graciously use these experiences to the benefit of my students, staff and community."

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus. Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions. Its tagline is: “Higher Education Made Affordable”SM.

Ashford University does not discriminate in its education programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, political activities and affiliations, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. Specifically, Title IX/SaVE requires the University not to discriminate on the basis of gender/sex in its education programs and activities. Gender/sex harassment, including gender/sex violence, is a form of prohibited gender/sex discrimination. Examples of covered acts are found in the University's policies on Sexual Misconduct. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the Ashford University Title IX Coordinator, Poppy Fitch, at [email protected], or 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd., San Diego, CA 92123, 866.974.5700 Ext. 20702 or to the Office for Civil Rights at Office for Civil Rights (OCR), United States Department of Education, Washington DC 20201, and/or a criminal complaint with local law enforcement.